Genre
Historical Fiction
Setting and Context
In 1945 and 1743
Narrator and Point of View
Told from Claire's point of view
Tone and Mood
The book is fantastical, historical, romantic, serious, optimistic, anxious, and violent.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Claire Fraser is the protagonist; Jonathan Randall is the antagonist
Major Conflict
Claire's romance with Jamie while trying to survive the war in Scotland.
Climax
When Claire and Geillis escape from prison together.
Foreshadowing
Geillis being from the future is foreshadowed in some of her interactions with Claire.
Understatement
Claire's initial confusion when transported to the past is understated significantly in the novel.
Allusions
To the history and geography of the United Kingdom (specifically Scotland), to the history of warfare, the history of presbyterianism and evangelicalism, as well as countless books (including Charles Dickens and Chaucer), and the books of the Bible.
Imagery
Throughout the book, Gabaldon uses lush and evocative imagery to paint a picture of the Scottish highlands.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
Claire and Geillis' journey to the past are similar to each other and are paralleled with each other.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
"Kilts" is an example metonymy; kilts is used as a substitute for Scottish people.
Personification
The Scottish Highlands themselves are personified throughout the book and are given human-like characteristics.
